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?

What does it mean when high electronegativity makes an O-H bond more polar?
Does it mean that the electron density on O is shifted to a high electronegative atom that causes H to have a more partial positive charge?

I believe the more elctronegative one is more able to stabilize the resulting ion so it is easier for the acid to lose its hydrogen when put into solution.