Mondo Knows Facts
Helium remains liquid at absolute zero under normal pressure
Weak interatomic forces and high quantum zero-point motion prevent helium from freezing
Helium is the only element that does not solidify under normal atmospheric pressure even when cooled to absolute zero. Because helium atoms are light and possess extremely weak interatomic attraction, quantum mechanical zero-point vibrations keep them fluid. Solidifying helium requires applying at least 25 atmospheres of mechanical pressure.
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Tags: chemistry, helium, elements
Helium remains liquid at absolute zero under normal pressure: the short answers
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- Weak interatomic forces and high quantum zero-point motion prevent helium from freezing. The figure is taken from NIST, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
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