TITLE: Ring homomorphism defined on a field
QUESTION [5 upvotes]: Let $\phi\colon R \to R'$ be a ring homomorphism. Prove that if $R$ is a field then either $\phi$ is an isomorphism or $\phi(r) = 0$ for all $r \in R$.

I am stuck on this problem and don't know where to begin. I feel like I'm very weak in writing proofs.

REPLY [3 votes]: I hope I'm not giving away too much, but I did this problem only recently! Note if $R$ is a field, then it's simple i.e. it's ideals are only the ${0}$ ideal or $R$, Kernel is an ideal also... I hope you get my drift... if you need any further help let me know! (though I doubt you do!)