Thermodynamics is truly a universal science, and its applications to phenom
ena outside the chemical laboratory or processing plant are many. Two are d
iscussed here; the prediction of the high-temperature chemical equilibria a
nd transport properties needed for the design of interplanetary probes, and
the distribution of long-lived chemicals throughout the environment. Also,
the possibilities of combining ab initio quantum calculations with activit
y coefficient models and equations of state to make predictions of vapor-li
quid equilibria over large ranges of temperature and pressure is illustrate
d.