*Question G5B02:
How does the total current relate to the individual currents in a circuit of parallel resistors?*  

*Correct Answer is  C: It equals the sum of the currents through each branch*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the currents through each individual branch. This is because each branch provides an independent path for current to flow, and the total current entering the parallel combination must equal the total current leaving it.

### Explanation:

1. **Correct Answer (C):**  
   - **It equals the sum of the currents through each branch.**  
     In a parallel circuit, the total current ($I_{\text{total}}$) is the sum of the currents through each branch. This is expressed as:
     $$I_{\text{total}} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + \ldots + I_n$$  
     where $I_1, I_2, I_3, \ldots, I_n$ are the currents through each parallel branch.

2. **Why Other Choices Are Incorrect:**

   - **Choice A:**  
     - **It equals the average of the branch currents.**  
       This is incorrect because the total current is not an average; it is the sum of all branch currents.

   - **Choice B:**  
     - **It decreases as more parallel branches are added to the circuit.**  
       This is incorrect because adding more branches typically increases the total current, as more paths are available for the current to flow.

   - **Choice D:**  
     - **It is the sum of the reciprocal of each individual voltage drop.**  
       This is incorrect because the total current is not related to the reciprocal of voltage drops. This choice confuses the concept of current with the calculation of total resistance in parallel, which involves reciprocals.

### Useful Rule of Thumb:

- In parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch is the same, and the total current is the sum of the branch currents. This is a fundamental property of parallel circuits and is crucial for understanding how they operate.