When element 20A combines with element 8Y,

The combination of elements with atomic numbers 20 and 8 (A and Y, respectively) would result in the formation of an ionic compound, AY. Element 20 (A) is calcium, a metal that easily loses two electrons to form a stable Ca²⁺ ion. Element 8 (Y) is oxygen, a non-metal that readily accepts two electrons to form a stable O^2- ion. When calcium (A) reacts with oxygen (Y), calcium loses two electrons to form Ca²⁺, and oxygen gains two electrons to form O^2-. The oppositely charged ions, Ca²⁺ and O^2-, are then held together by electrostatic forces of attraction to form the ionic compound, AY. Therefore, the correct option is: "an ionic compound, AY is formed."