Solution:

(a) Differences in physical properties between metals and non-metals

1. Metals are malleable, whereas nonmetallic materials are not.

2. Non-metals are non-ductile, whereas metals are ductile.

3. Metals are excellent conductors of electricity, but non-metals are poor conductors.

(b) Differences in chemical characteristics between metals and non-metals.

1. Non-metals form acidic or neutral oxides, whereas metals form basic oxides.

2. Metals remove hydrogen from water, while non-metals produce acidic or neutral oxides.

3. Metals remove hydrogen from dilute acids, whereas non-metals do not react with them.