The concept of time in physics is indeed a complex and fascinating topic, and there are different ways of understanding and describing its nature. However, it is important to note that the analogy between wave-particle duality and the different ways time is understood has limitations. Let me explain further:
Wave-particle duality is a specific phenomenon in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of particles, which can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like characteristics depending on the experimental setup and the way they are observed. This duality arises due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and the wave-like nature of particle behavior.
On the other hand, the different ways time is understood or described are typically related to different theories or frameworks in physics. For example, in classical mechanics (pre-quantum physics), time is treated as a fundamental and continuous variable that flows uniformly, and events are ordered sequentially along this continuous timeline.
In contrast, in certain areas of modern physics, such as general relativity and some quantum gravity theories, the nature of time becomes more intricate. In these theories, spacetime is considered a dynamical entity, and the flow of time can be influenced by factors such as gravity or the geometry of the universe. This can lead to effects such as time dilation, where time can appear to pass at different rates depending on the gravitational field or relative motion.
In the context of your question, if we consider time as a string of events, it aligns more closely with the classical understanding of time as a continuous variable. If we consider time as an isolated factor (e.g., a second), it can relate to the measurement or quantization of time intervals.
Reconciling the different ways time is understood in various theories is an active area of research and a subject of ongoing debate among physicists. Currently, there is no universally accepted theory that fully unifies all aspects of time across different domains of physics. The reconciliation of different theories of time and their relationship to fundamental physics is an open and challenging question that researchers continue to explore.