Oxyacids are a type of acid that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and another element, typically a nonmetal. They are formed when an acid reacts with water, resulting in the release of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and the formation of an anion that includes oxygen. Common examples of oxyacids include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). The strength of oxyacids often depends on the number of oxygen atoms present in the molecule. Generally, the more oxygen atoms an oxyacid has, the stronger it is, as additional oxygen increases the ability to stabilize the negative charge on the anion. This property makes oxyacids important in various chemical reactions and industrial applications.