First row question

[chloewinnett1L]

What is the molecular reasoning for why the presence of row 1 elements in acids do not affect the pH? I understand that they don't have to be accounted for when calculating, for example, the pH of a solution of nitrous acid and potassium nitrite, but why is that? Just curious.

[Elaine Pham 2E]

These cations from group 1 and 2 are very weak Lewis acids, and they're so weak to the point that they don't have an effect on the water molecules around them. Therefore, you don't account for them when calculating pH.

[Tessa Lawler 1A]

They don't have a large enough impact on the pH to significantly change your answer, whether you include them in the calculations or not.

[Luis_Yepez_1F]

Cations from groups 1 and 2 or cations with just a +1 charge are not large enough to have enough of an effect.