What is the primary purpose of the Science Olympiad Potions and Poisons event?

The primary purpose of the Science Olympiad Potions and Poisons event is to investigate the properties and interactions of various substances. This event emphasizes understanding how different chemicals react with one another and how they can affect living organisms, which is crucial in both the fields of chemistry and toxicology. Participants learn about the characteristics of different compounds, including their physical and chemical properties, as well as the safety measures necessary when handling potentially hazardous materials.

While creating new chemical compounds may sound exciting, the event primarily focuses on existing substances and their reactions rather than synthesis. Analyzing the structures of biological organisms is a more biology-oriented study and does not align with the core objectives of the Potions and Poisons event, which is centered on chemistry. Lastly, exploring the history of alchemy, although historically significant, does not directly relate to the scientific principles and practical applications that participants are meant to explore in this context.