The Electromagnetic Form Factors of the Proton and Neutron: Fundamental Indicators of Nucleon Structure

Abstract

We present a relativistic interpretation for why the proton's ratio of electric to magnetic form factor falls and for why the ratio of the Pauli to Dirac form factor varies as 1/Q. Reproducing the observed electric form factor of the neutron then mandates the inclusion of the effects of the pion cloud.

Comments: 10 pages 3 figures This is a written version of a talk given at the conference "Exclusive Processes at High Momentum Transfer", held at Jefferson Laboratory May 15-18, 2002