CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Which is the strongest acid, H2CO3 or H2GeO3? (Justify your answer)

In the answer key, it says H2CO3 is the stronger acid because C is more electronegative. However, I thought that when comparing acids in which the only difference is the central atom, you compare the bond strengths for elements in the same group. Since Ge and C come from the same group (not the same period), shouldn't the justification come from comparing the bond strengths, not the electronegativity?

Electronegativity and bond strengths both play a factor in determining acid strength. Since it is more electronegative, it becomes more polar which makes it easier to dissociate.

So, in this case, the difference in electronegativity would dominate over the difference in bond strength?