Thermodynamics is truly a universal science, and its applications to phenom
ena outside the chemical laboratory, or processing plant are many. Two are
discussed here: the prediction of the high-temperature chemical equilibria
and transport properties needed for the design of interplanetary probes; an
d the distribution of long-lived chemicals throughout the environment. Also
, the possibilities of combining ab initio quantum calculations with activi
ty coefficient models and equations of state to make predictions of (vapor
+ liquid) equilibria over large ranges of temperature and pressure is illus
trated. (C) 1999 Academic Press.