Oxidation States and Acid Strength
The strength of an oxyacid is influenced by the electronegativity and oxidation state of the central atom. As the electronegativity decreases down the group in the periodic table, the ability of the central atom to stabilize the negative charge on the conjugate base diminishes, leading to weaker acids. Thus, for oxyacids with the same oxidation state, chlorine is a stronger acid than bromine, which is stronger than iodine.