$\beta$-particles are emitted from the atom

$\beta$-emission is always accompanied by

Which of the following statements is correct?

Which metal is used in radiation shielding?

In the decay sequence:
$^{238}_{92}U$ $\xrightarrow{- x_1} ^{234}_{90}Th$ $\xrightarrow{- x_2} ^{234}_{91}Pa$ $\xrightarrow{- x_3} ^{234}_{92}Z$ $\xrightarrow{- x_4} ^{230}_{90}Th$
$x_1, x_2, x_3$ and $x_4$ are particles/radiation emitted by the respective isotopes. The correct option$(s)$ is/are-
$(1)$ $Z$ is an isotope of uranium
$(2)$ $x_2$ is $\beta^{-}$
$(3)$ $x_1$ will deflect towards negatively charged plate
$(4)$ $x_3$ is $\gamma$-ray

After losing a number of $\alpha$ and $\beta$ particles,$_{92}U^{238}$ changed to $_{82}Pb^{206}$. The total number of particles lost in this process is