If a train moves over a switch aligned for an incorrect direction, what can be said about the train's interaction with the switch?

When a train encounters a switch that is aligned for an incorrect direction, the primary interaction that occurs is running through the switch. This situation typically means that the switch was not correctly set for the route the train was intended to follow. As a result, the train continues along its path, which may not correspond to the track beyond the switch.

In many scenarios, running through a switch can lead to severe outcomes, such as derailment. However, in terms of the immediate behavior of the train upon encountering the switch, running through it is the most direct consequence. The train may not have the opportunity to stop or reverse due to its momentum and the nature of the track configuration. This scenario underscores the importance of proper switch alignment and the operational protocols that must be followed to ensure safety and track integrity.