Time does not necessarily "break down" at the subatomic level. However, our understanding of time and its behavior can become more complex and intertwined with other fundamental aspects of physics when examining the behavior of subatomic particles. This is due to the principles of quantum mechanics and the nature of the quantum realm.
In classical physics, time is treated as a separate and independent parameter that flows uniformly and independently from other physical quantities. However, in the realm of quantum mechanics, particles are described by wavefunctions that evolve according to the Schrödinger equation. This equation does not explicitly include time as an independent parameter but rather describes how wavefunctions change over time.
The behavior of subatomic particles, such as electrons, is described by probability wavefunctions that evolve in a superposition of different states. These wavefunctions can exhibit phenomena such as particle-wave duality, where particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. Additionally, subatomic particles can be in multiple states simultaneously, known as superposition, until a measurement is made.
The concept of time in quantum mechanics becomes entangled with these probabilistic and superpositioned states. The evolution of particle wavefunctions is typically described as unitary and reversible, meaning that it can move forward and backward in time. However, when measurements are made, wavefunctions "collapse" into a definite state, and the notion of cause-and-effect becomes more apparent.
The relationship between time and quantum mechanics becomes even more intricate when considering relativistic effects, as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. In the presence of strong gravitational fields or high velocities, time can be affected, leading to phenomena like time dilation or gravitational time dilation.
Overall, the behavior of time at the subatomic level is not a breakdown but rather a manifestation of the complex interplay between quantum mechanics, probability, superposition, and relativistic effects. It highlights the need for advanced theoretical frameworks and mathematical formalisms, such as quantum field theory and quantum gravity, to accurately describe the behavior of fundamental particles and their interaction with time.