Final answer:
Changes in pressure and volume can affect the stability of a gaseous system at equilibrium. Increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas, while decreasing pressure shifts it towards the side with more moles of gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a gaseous system at equilibrium, changes in pressure and volume can affect the stability of the system. When the pressure of a system at equilibrium is increased, the equilibrium will shift to favor the side with the fewest moles of gas, as fewer moles will occupy the smaller volume.
Conversely, if the pressure is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to favor the side with the most moles of gas, as more moles will occupy the larger volume.
It's important to note that changes in pressure or volume will not significantly disturb systems with no gases or with equal numbers of moles of gas on both sides of the equilibrium.