Here's why:
* Oxyacids are acids that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and at least one other element.
* Anions are negatively charged ions.
* -ite is a suffix used for anions that have a lower oxidation state of the nonmetal than the corresponding anion with the -ate suffix.
* -ous is a suffix used for oxyacids that have a lower oxidation state of the nonmetal than the corresponding acid with the -ic suffix.
Example:
* Sulfite (SO₃²⁻) is the anion with the -ite suffix.
* Sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) is the oxyacid with the -ous suffix, corresponding to the sulfite anion.
Let me know if you have any other chemistry questions!