Question

In earlier times, people used to listen for the arrival of a distanct train by putting their ear to the rail. Give scientific reasons.

Answer 1

Because sound passes through solid mainly metals fastest 

Answer 2

Explanation:

Sound needs material medium for propagation from one point to another point.Sound travels in air metals etc.

We know The speed of sound in air is given $\sqrt{\gamma RT}$ which is 334 m/s.

Speed of sound on railway track is fifteen times than the speed of air.

So In earlier times, people used to listen for the arrival of a distanct train by putting their ear to the rail.