Thermal energy is absorbed as chemical reactions occur during the process of baking muffins. The batter for muffins often contains baking soda, NaHCO3(s), which decomposes as the muffins are baked in an oven at 200. 0 C. The balanced equation below represents this reaction, which releases CO2(g) and causes the muffins to rise as they bake. The H2O( ) is released into the air of the oven as it becomes a vapor. 2NaHCO3(s) + heat Na2CO3(s) + H2O( ) + CO2(g) Compare the potential energy of the liquid water molecules to the potential energy of the water vapor molecules.