Distinguish among alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of their makeup, penetrating power, and hazard posed to living things.

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons. Essentially, they are helium nuclei. Due to their relatively large size and positive charge, alpha particles have low penetrating power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layers of human skin. While alpha radiation is not highly hazardous externally, exposure to ingested or inhaled alpha-emitting substances is dangerous. This is because alpha particles can cause significant ionization and harm within living organisms, damaging cells and DNA.

Beta radiation consists of beta particles, which are high-speed electrons (beta minus) or positrons (beta plus) emitted by radioactive nuclei. These particles are much lighter and smaller compared to alpha particles. Beta radiation has a greater penetrating power than alpha radiation and can pass through several millimeters of plastic or a few meters of air, but it can be stopped by a layer of glass or aluminum. In terms of hazard, beta radiation is more dangerous than alpha radiation when absorbed by living organisms, causing damage to internal organs and tissues when ingested or inhaled.

Gamma radiation is composed of high-energy photons, which are electromagnetic waves. It is the most penetrating form of radiation among the three, capable of passing through several centimeters of lead or meters of concrete. It requires a considerable amount of shielding to be blocked effectively. Gamma radiation is extremely hazardous to living organisms as it can easily penetrate and damage cells, tissues, and organs, leading to a variety of adverse health effects including cancer and radiation sickness.

- Makeup: Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (protons and neutrons), beta radiation consists of high-speed electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons (electromagnetic waves). - Penetrating Power: Alpha radiation has the least penetrating power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper, beta radiation can penetrate plastics and metals to a certain extent, and gamma radiation has the highest penetrating power, requiring substantial shielding to block. - Hazard to Living Things: Alpha radiation is least hazardous externally but can be dangerous when ingested or inhaled, beta radiation is more hazardous than alpha when absorbed by organisms, and gamma radiation is highly hazardous due to its ability to penetrate and damage cells, tissues, and organs.