Scales stacked together: reading on each?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of two stacked scales, each with a mass of 1 kg and a weight of 10 N. When one scale is placed upside down on the other, both scales will display a reading of 10 N. This is due to the weight of the top scale exerting a force on the bottom scale, which in turn exerts an equal normal force back on the top scale, maintaining equilibrium.

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Homework Statement



A standard scale (shown below) has an internal spring and a dial which shows the force exerted on the pan by this spring. The instrument has a mass of about 1 kg and weight 10 N. Ignore the weight of the light pan. To conserve space, the new metric commissioner stacks a pair of those scales as shown, one upside down on the other. We see them from the back, but what should the dials be showing (in Newtons)? Explain.

scales.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



from what i understand, they should both show 10 N. the weight of the top scale causes the bottom one to read 10 N, and the normal force pushes back up on the top scale with 10 N. is this correct?
 
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Sounds good to me.
 

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