A long stairway with a metal handrail runs between the houses of Amelia and her friend Michelle. After getting their parents' permission, the two girls often play near the stairs. One day, Michelle stands at the top of the steps and taps the railing with a stone. Amelia stands at the bottom of the steps with her right ear pressed against the railing.
Amelia sees Michelle tap the railing, then she hears the sound with the ear that is pressed against the railing. Last, Amelia hears the sound with her other ear. Why did Amelia hear the sound with her right ear before her left ear?
A.
because her right ear was closer to Michelle, who was the source of the sound
B.
because the waves that carry sound energy travel more quickly through solids than through gases
C.
because light travels more quickly through air than sound does
D.
because the particles that carry sound energy travel more quickly through solids than through gases
D. because the particles that carry sound energy travel more quickly through solids than through gases
Sound travels faster through solids compared to gases, so the sound wave traveled through the metal railing quickly to reach Amelia's right ear first before reaching her left ear.