For the case of 𝛿𝜇 ̃< 0, the first-layer water molecules prefer the α w = 0° (H-up or O-down) configuration. For this case, the resulting potential rise due to the water dipole moment compensates partly the potential drop at the metal surface, leading to a smaller 𝐸 pzc,SHE . In the opposite case, the first-layer water molecules prefer the α w = 180° (H-down) configuration, resulting in an additional potential drop and thereby a higher 𝐸 pzc,SHE .