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?

A. Sound waves can only travel through certain materials.
B. Sound waves are blocked by people in the stadium.
C. Sound waves are spread out over large area
D. Sound waves slow down as they move away from the bat.

C. Sound waves are spread out over a large area.