Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to identify and study the chemical composition of substances. It works by passing infrared light through a sample, which absorbs specific wavelengths corresponding to the vibrations of molecular bonds. The resulting spectrum displays peaks that represent these absorbed wavelengths, allowing scientists to determine the functional groups present in the sample. This method is widely used in various fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, and material science. It is particularly valuable for analyzing organic compounds, as different molecules have unique IR spectra, making it easier to distinguish between them and understand their structures.