Torsion submodules

Suppose R is a ring and M is a left R-module. An element mM is called a torsion element if rm=0 for some nonzero rR. The set of torsion elements in M is denoted Tor(M).

  1. Prove that if R is an integral domain then Tor(M) is a submodule of M.
  2. Give an example of a ring R and R-module M such that Tor(M) is not a submodule. (Hint: Consider torsion elements in the R-module R for some specific ring R.)
  3. Suppose R has a (nonzero) zero divisor and M is nontrivial. Prove that M has nonzero torsion elements.
  4. Suppose ϕ:MN is an R-module morphism. Prove that ϕ(Tor(M))Tor(N).