Difference between UV and IR Spectroscopy

The major difference between the UV and IR spectroscopy is that the UV spectroscopy is used to obtain the absorption spectra of a substance whereas the IR spectroscopy used to obtain functional groups present in a molecule.

Spectroscopy is an important chemistry technique and essentially tests the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. Both ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopies are different forms of electromagnetic radiation, self-propagation waves that alternately formed with magnetic and electric fields. Although this basic similarity, there are several significant differences too.

The major differences are different from their wavelengths and frequencies. UV rays have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than infrared. The wavelength of the IR is about 1 mm and 750 nm, although the ultraviolet wavelength is about 400 nm and 10 nm.

UV Spectroscopy: It has a shorter wavelength as compared to the visible light, higher energy, and frequency. It could break several organic bonds and cause skin cancer. (Changes in the level of electronic energy within the molecule).

IR Spectroscopy: It has a longer wavelength as compared to the visible light, thus low frequency and less energy per photon (Rotational and vibration movements of the molecule changes). 

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