Which isotope has the shortest half-life among O-15, N-13, and C-11?

Oxygen-15 is known for its very short half-life of approximately 2 minutes. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in positron emission tomography (PET) as a radiotracer for imaging. The rapid decay allows for quick imaging processes, providing timely diagnostic information while minimizing the patient's exposure to radiation.

In contrast, Carbon-11 has a longer half-life of about 20 minutes, which, while still short, allows for a broader window during which imaging can be conducted. Nitrogen-13 has a half-life of approximately 10 minutes, which is also longer than that of Oxygen-15. When choosing a radiotracer for PET, the half-life is a crucial factor because it influences the timing and logistics of imaging procedures and how the tracers distribute and decay in the body.

Thus, Oxygen-15 stands out as having the shortest half-life among the isotopes listed, making it a critical option in rapid imaging protocols.