What happens when two objects are placed evenly on two scales?

When two objects are placed evenly on two scales, each scale will independently measure the weight of the object placed on it. If the objects have equal weight, then each scale will indeed read the total weight divided by two. This is because weight is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object, and when the same weight is distributed evenly, each scale measures exactly half of the total weight.

For example, if you have two objects, each weighing 10 pounds, and you place one object on each scale, each scale will read 10 pounds, summing up to a total of 20 pounds for both scales combined. In this situation, it is accurate to say that each scale reads half of the total weight, reinforcing the correct answer.

This principle applies as long as the weights on the scales are equal and the distribution of weight is even. If the weights were unequal or placed differently, the readings would vary accordingly, which accounts for variability in real-world scenarios.