Yes, sound waves generally travel faster through solids than through air at room temperature. The speed of sound is determined by the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as density and elasticity. Solids, being denser and more rigid than gases like air, allow sound waves to propagate more quickly.
In general, sound travels fastest in solids, followed by liquids, and then gases. The particles in a solid are closely packed and have strong intermolecular forces, which allow sound waves to propagate quickly through the material. In contrast, air molecules in gases are more spread out, leading to a lower density and slower propagation of sound waves.
The actual speed of sound depends on the specific properties of the material or medium. For example, in air at room temperature, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second). In comparison, sound waves travel through most solids at speeds ranging from a few thousand to several thousand meters per second.
It's worth noting that there are exceptions and variations depending on the specific characteristics of the solid or the gas. Different factors like temperature, pressure, and the composition of the material can affect the speed of sound propagation.