Final answer:
Frost on airplane wings can decrease lift by up to 30% and increase drag by as much as 40%, affecting the aircraft's performance by disrupting the airflow and increasing aerodynamic drag.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thin layer of frost on the wings can significantly impact an airplane's performance. While the exact effects can vary depending on various factors, in general, frost can reduce lift by a substantial amount, sometimes quoted as up to 30%, and increase drag by as much as 40%. This is because frost disrupts the smooth flow of air over the wing, which is critical for the generation of lift. The roughness of the frost surface increases the aerodynamic drag, which means the engines need to work harder to maintain the same speed, resulting in increased fuel consumption and the potential for flight delays or cancellations in severe cases.