# Measuring volume change from change in mass

I want to measure the expansion (by change in volume) of a material in liquid. However the shapes are so complex that I can only measure their mass. Is it possible to compute the volume of the expanded shape by measuring its mass alone?

Given mass $m_0$ at $t_0$ and mass $m_1$ at $t_1$ and the density $\rho_\mathrm m$ of the material and $\rho_\mathrm l$ of the liquid, can I find the volume change of the object from $t_0$ to $t_1$?

One could assume that $(m_0-m_1)/\rho_\mathrm l$ is the correct answer, but I am not sure if this is the right way to go about it?

• Can you measure the volume by displacement, as Archimedes did? [Do not run through the streets shouting 'Eureka!", though.] – DrMoishe Pippik Jul 11 '16 at 5:13
• I assume that "from t0 to t1" part of the question means that the temperature is changing. – MaxW Feb 14 '17 at 2:13
• Is there a way to know the starting volume? Is the material compact and easy to be handled? – Alchimista Jul 14 '17 at 20:30