Final answer:
If methane (CH4) were substituted for NH3 in the aluminum can, the crushing of the can would not occur because methane has weaker intermolecular forces compared to ammonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
If methane (CH4) were substituted for NH3 in the aluminum can, the crushing of the can would not occur.
Methane is a lighter and less polar molecule compared to ammonia.
When ammonia is substituted with methane, the intermolecular forces between the molecules in the gas phase would decrease.
As a result, the gas molecules would have less attraction to each other, leading to a decreased pressure and preventing the can from being crushed.