b) By mixing weak base with its conjugate acid and then adjusting the pH with strong acid.
Explanation:
Hello,
In this case, considering that the buffer required a pH greater than 7 where the basic conditions are present, we need a weak base and its conjugate base in order to assure such pH greater than 7. Moreover, by using a strong acid, we can gently add it in order to decrease the pH up to 7.4 via a properly measured neutralization of the necessary moles of base up to a hydrogen concentration of 3.98x10⁻⁸ (pH). Therefore, answer is b) By mixing weak base with its conjugate acid and then adjusting the pH with strong acid.
