> See also: > - [[Spectroscopy]] # Infrared Spectroscopy In an IR spectrometer, a sample is irradiated with a range of infrared radiation A smaller gap between the energy levels indicates a higher vibrational frequency () There are two major factors that influence the vibrational frequency of a bond: 1. The Bond Strength 2. Mass of Atoms Within Bond **Hooke’s Law** An increase in the mass of an atom leads to a decrease in the vibrational frequency - Analogous to a slinky being weighed down and the space between each ring increasing as a result. > A stronger and stiffer bond tends to lead to higher vibrational frequency