The student found the volume of the copper block by multiplying the area of its base by its height - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

To measure the volume of the small stone, the student can use the method of water displacement:

1. Fill a Graduated Cylinder: Start by filling a graduated cylinder with a known volume of water. This initial volume should be recorded.

2. Submerge the Stone: Carefully place the small stone into the graduated cylinder without spilling any water.

3. Measure the New Water Level: After the stone is submerged, observe and record the new water level in the graduated cylinder.

4. Calculate the Volume: The volume of the small stone can be determined by subtracting the initial water volume from the new water volume:

   $V_{stone} = V_{final} - V_{initial}$

   where $V_{stone}$ is the volume of the stone, $V_{final}$ is the final water level, and $V_{initial}$ is the initial water level.

This method works because the small stone displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume.