IR spectroscopy, or infrared spectroscopy, is a technique used to identify and study chemicals by measuring how they absorb infrared light. When a sample is exposed to infrared radiation, its molecules vibrate at specific frequencies. These vibrations correspond to the bonds between atoms, allowing scientists to determine the molecular structure and functional groups present in the sample. The resulting data is displayed as a spectrum, which shows the intensity of absorption at different wavelengths. Each peak in the spectrum represents a specific molecular vibration, making it a valuable tool in fields like chemistry, biochemistry, and material science for analyzing substances and understanding their properties.