I can describe the basic structure of an atom, including those of carbon (C) and oxygen (O), to help you visualize them.
Atoms consist of a central nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in energy levels or shells. The number of protons determines the element, so carbon has 6 protons, and oxygen has 8 protons. The number of neutrons can vary, giving rise to different isotopes of an element.
In a carbon atom (C), the nucleus contains 6 protons and typically 6 neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 12. The electrons occupy specific energy levels or electron shells, with 2 electrons in the innermost shell and 4 electrons in the outermost shell.
In an oxygen atom (O), the nucleus contains 8 protons and usually 8 neutrons, resulting in an atomic mass of 16. The electron configuration includes 2 electrons in the innermost shell and 6 electrons in the outermost shell.
It's important to note that the electrons in the outermost shell, known as valence electrons, play a significant role in chemical reactions and bonding between atoms. The arrangement of electrons in the electron shells follows specific rules and can be represented using electron configuration notation.
To view visual diagrams of atoms, I recommend searching for images or diagrams online. You can search for terms like "carbon atom diagram" or "oxygen atom diagram" to find illustrations that depict the atomic structure of these elements.