The correct answer is: C. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltages across the individual branches in a parallel circuit.
In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same. This is because the voltage source is connected to each branch directly, and there is no resistance in the wires connecting the source to the branches. The total voltage in a parallel circuit is therefore equal to the sum of the voltages across the individual branches.
Option A is incorrect because the total voltage in a parallel circuit is not equal to the average value of the individual voltages. The average value of the individual voltages would be lower than the total voltage, because the individual voltages are all equal.
Option B is incorrect because the total voltage in a parallel circuit is not always less than the value of the smallest voltage. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltages across the individual branches, and the voltages across the individual branches can be any value.
Option D is incorrect because the total voltage of a parallel circuit is not the same as the voltages across each branch. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltages across the individual branches.
Option E is incorrect because the statement in option C is true.