Final answer:
A control group in science is a group that does not receive the special treatment or independent variable being tested. It serves as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group to determine the effects of the independent variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In scientific experiments, a control group is a group that does not receive the special treatment or independent variable being tested. The purpose of the control group is to provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group, allowing researchers to determine if any changes observed in the experimental group are due to the independent variable or simply due to chance.
For example, in a study testing the effectiveness of a new medication, the control group would receive a placebo instead of the actual medication. By comparing the outcomes of the control group with those of the experimental group receiving the medication, researchers can determine if the medication had any significant effects.