The accompanying diagrams represent the three lowest energy wave functions for three "...

The accompanying diagrams represent the three lowest energy wave functions for three "atoms." As in all truly molecular states we consider, these states are shared among the atoms. At such large atomic separation, however, the energies are practically equal, so an electron would be just as happy occupying any combination, (a) Identify algebraic combinations of the states (for instance, I + \II2 + ID72) that would place the electron in each of the three atoms, (b) Were the atoms closer together, the energies of states I, U, and III would spread out and an electron would occupy the lowest energy one. Rank them in order of increasing energy as the atoms draw closer together. Explain your reasoning.

I.

II.

III.