The phrase "atoms could not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limitations or impossibilities related to atoms in a scientific or theoretical context.
Example: "In certain conditions, atoms could not bond effectively, leading to a lack of chemical reactions."
Alternatives: "atoms were unable to" or "atoms cannot".
In contrast, the helium density in the AlPO4-5 nanopores was extremely low, indicating that the helium atoms could not penetrate the 0.7-nm-diameter nanopores despite having an atomic size of 0.27 nm (determined from the classical model).
Without the void the atoms could not be separated from each other and could not move.
The temperature and density was so high that galaxies, stars, planets, and even atoms could not exist.
In contrast, quantum helium atoms could not penetrate the CNT nanopore of 0.4 nm in diameter until after 400 ps.
Thus, helium atoms could not penetrate via the neck regions of GateNH (0.4-nm gates) and the nanopores of AlPO4-5 (0.7-nm nanopores).
They traditionally have been labeled Group 0 in the periodic table because for decades after their discovery it was believed that they could not bond to other atoms; that is, that their atoms could not combine with those of other elements to form chemical compounds.
If it were the other way around, atoms couldn't exist, because all the protons in the universe would have decayed into neutrons shortly after the big bang.
Going back additional millions of years, the radiation in the Universe was so hot that neutral atoms couldn't form, meaning that photons bounced off of charged particles continuously.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Pondering how such a heavy, charged particle as the alpha could be turned by electrostatic attraction or repulsion through such a large angle, Rutherford conceived in 1911 that the atom could not be a uniform solid but rather consisted mostly of empty space, with its mass concentrated in a tiny nucleus.
He pointed out: "It was only a few hundred years ago that 'scientists' believed that the Earth was the centre of the universe". He added: "It was generally agreed until early this century that the atom could not be split". Sightings of alleged UFOs could be explained by very strange-shaped clouds, ball lightning, or US "black" (secret project) aircraft, the unidentified official suggested.
First, the atomic parameters of some atom types such as the cationic carbon and the hydrogen attached to sulfur atom could not be determined in this study due to the lack of corresponding experimental data.
