Here's why:
* Halogens are in Group 17 of the periodic table.
* They have seven valence electrons (electrons in their outermost shell).
* To achieve a stable octet (eight electrons in their outermost shell), they tend to gain one electron.
* Gaining an electron results in a -1 charge, thus their oxidation state is -1.
Examples of halogens include:
* Fluorine (F)
* Chlorine (Cl)
* Bromine (Br)
* Iodine (I)
Note: While halogens commonly have a -1 oxidation state, they can have other oxidation states in certain compounds.