Isomers have essentially identical

$P$ and $Q$ are isomers of dicarboxylic acid $C_4H_4O_4$. Both decolorize $Br_2/H_2O$. On heating,$P$ forms a cyclic anhydride.
Upon treatment with dilute alkaline $KMnO_4$,$P$ as well as $Q$ could produce one or more than one from $S$,$T$,and $U$.
$1.$ Compounds formed from $P$ and $Q$ are,respectively:
$(A)$ Optically active $S$ and optically active pair $(T, U)$
$(B)$ Optically inactive $S$ and optically inactive pair $(T, U)$
$(C)$ Optically active pair $(T, U)$ and optically active $S$
$(D)$ Optically inactive pair $(T, U)$ and optically inactive $S$
$2.$ In the following reaction sequences,$V$ and $W$ are respectively:
Give the answer for question $1$ and $2$.

Calculate the total number of stereoisomers for the given compound.

Which of the following structures represent the same molecule?

Which of the following is the most stabilized carbocation?

Total number of $\alpha$-hydrogen in the given compound is