Black holes are fascinating objects that have properties that can be difficult to grasp intuitively. To help you understand, let's explore the basic concept of a black hole.
A black hole is formed when a massive star collapses under its own gravitational pull after running out of nuclear fuel. The collapse is so extreme that it creates a region in space where gravity is incredibly strong, and nothing, including light, can escape from it. This region is called the event horizon.
Inside the event horizon, the gravitational pull is so intense that it curves spacetime to a significant degree. According to our current understanding of physics, matter and mass are concentrated at the center of a black hole, creating what is known as a singularity. At the singularity, the laws of physics, as we currently understand them, break down, and our understanding of the universe becomes uncertain.
However, it's important to note that the singularity is not "packed" like a physical object but rather represents a point of infinite density and curvature. It's difficult to visualize or describe what exactly happens at the singularity because it lies beyond the boundaries of our current understanding of physics.
Regarding the popular visualization of black holes as a giant funnel, that representation is often used to illustrate the concept of an event horizon. The funnel-like shape represents the curvature of spacetime caused by the black hole's immense gravitational pull. It helps to depict the idea that anything crossing the event horizon, including light, is trapped within the black hole.
While the funnel analogy can help with visualization, it's important to remember that it is just an analogy and doesn't capture the complexities and peculiarities of black holes accurately. Black holes are objects that challenge our understanding of the universe, and they continue to be a subject of active research and investigation in astrophysics and theoretical physics.