This document discusses infrared (IR) spectroscopy and how it can be used to identify functional groups within molecules. IR spectroscopy measures the vibrational and rotational frequencies of molecules which are determined by molecular structure. It provides information on bonds and functional groups such as O-H, C=O, C=C, and C-O based on their distinct absorption frequencies in the infrared region. Factors like bond strength and mass of the bonded atoms affect the stretching vibrational frequencies observed.