Vibrational spectroscopy is a technique used to study the vibrations of molecules. It helps scientists understand the structure and dynamics of different substances by measuring how they absorb or scatter light at specific frequencies. This method is commonly applied in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science to identify chemical compounds and analyze molecular interactions.
The most common types of vibrational spectroscopy are infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. In IR spectroscopy, molecules absorb infrared light, causing them to vibrate at characteristic frequencies. In Raman spectroscopy, the scattering of light provides information about molecular vibrations, making it useful for studying samples in various states, including solids, liquids, and gases.