IR spectroscopy involves the interaction of infrared radiation with matter. Molecules absorb characteristic frequencies of IR radiation depending on their natural vibrational frequencies. This allows IR spectroscopy to be used to determine a molecule's structure by identifying its functional groups. An IR spectrometer consists of a light source, sample holder, monochromator, and detector. It measures the infrared light absorbed by a sample to produce an IR spectrum that can be used for applications like compositional analysis, detection of impurities and functional groups, and structural elucidation of organic compounds.