Here, we have to find out the quantity which is represented by the tangent at any point on the velocity - time graph We have The velocity - time graph as shown in the figure. It is plotted by taking the time on X axis and velocity on the Y axis
Now, tangent in this graph can be represented by tan θ =
opposite‌side
adjacent‌side
=
velocity
time
→ (i) Also, we have Acceleration a =
velocity
time
→ (ii) Comparing (i) and (ii) Acceleration a = Tan θ That is the slope of the velocity time graph gives acceleration Therefore, in the velocity time graph the tangent at any point is used for finding the acceleration at that point