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ScienceSurprise 5/5Difficulty 3/5Reviewed on September 17, 2026

Helium cannot be solidified at normal pressure.

Why it is true

Helium is the only element that remains liquid down to absolute zero at normal atmospheric pressure. To solidify it, pressures above 25 atmospheres are required. This happens because the van der Waals forces between helium atoms are extremely weak, due to their small mass and stable electron configuration.

Source: American Physical Society

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