Here's a problem to solve: Five bowling balls are lined up touching one another on a smooth surface. Striking the first ball with a hammer makes the fifth ball move away from the group. The force of the hammer was transmitted through the line of balls as what type of wave?

Among the 4 following options, which is the correct answer?

- A: electromagnetic
 
- B: heat
 
- C: longitudinal
 
- D: transverse
 