In modern chemistry this is derived using equilibrium thermodynamics.

The non equilibrium thermodynamics has been applied for explaining how ordered structures e.g. the biological systems, can develop from disorder.

For this reason, the term thermodynamics is usually used synonymously with equilibrium thermodynamics.

The thermodynamic study of non-equilibrium systems requires more general concepts than are dealt with by equilibrium thermodynamics.

Consider a thermodynamic system in the framework of classical equilibrium thermodynamics.

In equilibrium thermodynamics, by contrast, the state of the system will be considered uniform throughout, defined macroscopically by those quantities as temperature, pressure, or volume.

Köhler theory describes the process in which water vapor condenses and forms liquid cloud drops, and is based on equilibrium thermodynamics.

Relatively simple approximate calculations, however, using the variables of equilibrium thermodynamics, are of much practical value in engineering.

Local equilibrium thermodynamics is concerned with the time courses and rates of progress of irreversible processes in systems that are smoothly spatially inhomogeneous.

This is one reason for distinguishing the study of equilibrium thermodynamics from the study of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.