Yes, sound waves generally travel faster through solids than through air at room temperature. The speed of sound depends on the medium through which it travels, and different materials have different properties that affect the speed of sound propagation.
In general, sound waves travel faster in denser and more rigid mediums. Solids, such as metals or dense materials like wood, have a higher density and are more rigid compared to gases like air. As a result, sound waves can propagate through solids more efficiently, leading to higher speeds.
In air at room temperature, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second (or about 1,125 feet per second). In comparison, the speed of sound in common solids can range from several thousand meters per second to tens of thousands of meters per second. For example, in steel, the speed of sound is around 5,960 meters per second (19,550 feet per second), which is significantly faster than in air.
It's worth noting that the specific speed of sound in a solid depends on factors such as the material's density, elasticity, and other properties. Additionally, the speed of sound in a solid can also vary depending on the direction of propagation relative to the material's crystal structure.
In summary, sound waves do travel faster through solids than through air at room temperature due to the differences in density and rigidity of the mediums.