Final answer:
The acid obtained by adding a proton to the iodate ion (IO3-) is iodic acid (HIO3), a strong acid and oxidizing agent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acid obtained by adding a proton (H+) to the iodate ion (IO3−) is iodic acid, with the chemical formula HIO3. Iodic acid is a part of the group of halic acids, which are known to be strong acids and potent oxidizing agents. When these acids react with bases, they form salts containing iodate ions. In the context of chemistry and commercial preparation, iodine is sometimes produced through the reduction of sodium iodate, which reflects iodic acid's relationship to iodine chemistry.