Final answer:
Reverse engineering is the examination of technology to understand its workings or design. The process involves exploring possibilities, evaluating solutions, and prototyping, using math and science principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of examining an existing technology to understand how it works or how it was designed or constructed is known as reverse engineering. This encompasses activities such as exploring possibilities to understand the characteristics and pros and cons of various designs, and evaluating solutions based on specific criteria and constraints to select the best design. For instance, in the case of designing a solar still for desalination, reverse engineering would involve not only the assessment of possible designs but also the building of a prototype to test its effectiveness. Engineers use math and science extensively throughout this process to model, analyse, and refine their designs.
When engaging in reverse engineering, one might explore possibilities by assessing different design concepts, such as a solar-powered bicycle, to understand their benefits and drawbacks. Then, evaluate solutions by selecting the most viable design that meets the defined requirements and constraints. Lastly, a detailed design is developed, materials are selected, and the prototype is built and tested to ensure its performance.