Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a transistor, the emitter current splits into the base current and the collector current: \(I_E = I_B + I_C\). The fraction of carriers that reach the collector is \(\alpha = \dfrac{I_C}{I_E}\).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \alpha = 0.8 = \frac{I_C}{I_E},\qquad I_B = I_E - I_C \]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
\[ I_E = \frac{I_C}{\alpha} = \frac{28}{0.8} = 35 \text{ mA} \]
\[ I_B = 35 - 28 = 7 \text{ mA} \]
Option (B) 14 mA and (C) 28 mA are not consistent with an alpha of 0.8, and option (D) 35 mA is the emitter current, not the base current.
Final Answer:
The base current is 7 mA, option (A).
\[ \boxed{7\text{ mA (A)}} \]