# Existence of zero objects

Here are some exercises from Rotman's book (homological algebra).

$1$. Show that $\textbf{Top}$ has no zero object.

Let $X$ be a zero object in $\textbf{Top}$ then as X is initial and $\emptyset$ is a topological space then there is a unique continuous map $f: X \rightarrow \emptyset$. Therefore $X$ is the empty set, since $f$ is the empty function (which is continuous).

On the other hand, since $X$ is terminal choose a non-empty topological space $Z$. Thus there is a unique continuous map $f: Z \rightarrow \emptyset$ but there is no such function since $Z \neq \emptyset$.

$2$. Prove that the zero ring is not an initial object in the category of commutative rings.

Can we simply say: assume there is a ring homomorphism $f: 0 \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}$ where $0$ denotes, by abuse of notation, the zero ring. On one hand $f(0)=1$ because $f$ preserves the unity and $0=1$ in the zero ring. But on the other hand $f(0)=0$ so $0=1$ in $\mathbb{Z}$ which is absurd.

Is this OK? thanks for your time/help.

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In the second paragraph of 1., you mean "there is a unique continuous map $f: Z\rightarrow \emptyset$." – Alex Kruckman Dec 21 '12 at 3:44
@Alex Kruckman: right, thanks! – user10 Dec 21 '12 at 3:47

Your arguments for 1 are perfectly fine.

As for 2, it depends on the precise definition of the notion of morphisms in the category. It seems that the category you work with demands the morphisms to be ring homomorphism between unital (commutative) rings that further preserve the unit. If that is the case then your argument is correct.

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yes, the homomorphism is assumed to be preserve units. Thanks! – user10 Dec 21 '12 at 3:38
You're welcome. – Ittay Weiss Dec 21 '12 at 3:39