Proton root-mean-square radii and electron scattering

The standard procedure of extracting the proton root-mean-square radii from models for the Sachs form factors $G_e(q)$ and $G_m(q)$ fitted to elastic electron-proton scattering data %has a serious flaw. is more uncertain than traditionally assumed. The extrapolation of $G(q)$, from the region $q_{min} < q < q_{max}$coveredbydatatomomentumtransfer$q=0$wherethe$rms$-radius is obtained, often depends on uncontrolled properties of the parameterization used. Only when ensuring that the corresponding densities have a physical behavior at large radii $r$ can reliable $rms$-radii be determined.