So actually the atom could represent 0, `1, 2, or 3.... but not at the same time.
That statement must be from an illiterate (scientific ) technical journalist,,,,
That’s because of the theory behind quantum weirdness, though. It doesn’t actually have a “state” until it is measured. Until it is measured, it remains in an undefined state. So they say it can represent a 0 or a 1 at the same time.
Personally, though, I don’t elect to suspend disbelief. That is why I say that the scientists say it, but you’ll have to take their word for it. There is no way you can test or even fully understand their theory. Even they don’t understand it. If you question it, they will say that it doesn’t need to make sense, as long as it works experimentally. And you’ll also need to take their word for it when they say it works experimentally.