ANALOGY, Metal ions: buoys, as electrons: . a. water
b. other buoys
c. boats
d. sand

a. water

Explanation:

A buoy is a floating object that is used in the sea to locate some point or as a checkpoint. It stays at its designated position in the sea by means of an anchor chain. This chain is made short in length according to the water depth do the buoy can not deviate much from its position. The same mechanism can be applied to the metal ion. When a metal ion is formed it remains at its place, but the electrons are mobile and they travel when they get a medium. For example in circuits or from one atom to other. And for the case of buoy, the water serves as electrons as the water is moving in the medium. Hence, the second analogy will be:

electrons : water

So, the correct option is:

a. water