Which wings generally catch more ice per square inch?

Thin wings generally catch more ice per square inch due to their design and aerodynamic properties. When ice accumulates on a wing's surface, it has a greater effect on thinner wings because they have less surface area and structure to redistribute the impact of the ice. The airflow around a thinner wing can also be more sensitive to changes in shape caused by ice accumulation, which can significantly affect lift and control.

In addition, thin wings often operate at higher angles of attack relative to their thicker counterparts, which can exacerbate the effects of ice accumulation. As a result, weight distribution and aerodynamic resistance are more affected, making thin wings particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of ice, including stall characteristics and reduced performance.

While thicker wings may accumulate ice as well, their architecture allows them to manage the aerodynamic impacts better, providing more lift even when ice is present. Thus, the design of thinner wings plays a crucial role in their susceptibility to ice accumulation per square inch, making them the correct choice in this context.