During a baseball game, the sound of the bat hitting the ball can be heard in most parts of the stadium. That sound is weaker at greater distances. What is the cause of this phenomenon?

• The sound waves are blocked by people in the stadium.
• The sound waves are spread out over a large area.
• The sound waves can only travel through certain materials.
• The sound waves slow down as they move away from the bat.

The correct answer is: The sound waves spread out over a large area.