The infrared region lies between the visible and microwave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and works mostly based on absorption spectroscopy. The infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is usually divided into three regions; near or higher energy IR, mid-IR, and far or low energy infrared. The mid-infrared which is (4000 - 400 cm-1 ) gives the fundamental vibrations and associated rotational-vibrational structure of the substance under study. Infrared spectroscopy is the absorption of infrared radiation by the molecules and is used to elucidate the structure of the molecule by identifying their functional groups. One of the common laboratory instruments that use this technique is a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.

Figure 1: Energy levels of molecules.

The aim of this experiment is:

1. To learn sample preparation and handling procedures to measure an IR spectrum using salt plates.
   
   
2. To carry out spectral analysis of the sample measured.