Is the potential energy of a system of bodies positive or negative ? Give reason in support of your answer.

Explanation

To determine whether the potential energy of a system of bodies is positive or negative, we can analyze the formula for gravitational potential energy and the nature of gravitational forces.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Formula**:
The gravitational potential energy (U) between two masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) separated by a distance \( r \) is given by the formula:
\[
U = -\frac{G m_1 m_2}{r}
...