Why gravitational potential energy is negative?

Explanation:

1. Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed or gained by an object due to a change in its location as it is present in a gravitational field.
2. In basic terms, gravitational potential energy may be assumed to be an energy that is related to gravitational force or gravity.
3. The potential energy retained by an object due to its high location relative to a lower position is gravitational energy.
4. In other words, it is gravity or gravitational force-related energy.
5. There is negative potential energy in a device composed of a negative and a positive point-like charge.
6. A negative energy potential means that in moving the charges apart, work must be performed against the electric field.

Hence, the gravitational potential energy is negative.