Algebraic Topology – Mapping from n-Sphere to n-Dimensional Torus

algebraic-topology

Let $n\ge 2$. How can you prove that for every continuous $f:S^n\to T^n$, the induced map on singular homology $f_\star:H_n(S^n)\to H_n(T^n)$ is the zero map? Here, $S^n$ is the $n$ dimensional sphere, and $T^n=(S^1)^n$ is the $n$ dimensional torus.

I don't even know where to begin… This was on the final for my graduate course in algebraic topology. We've covered the fundamental group, covering spaces, and the basics for homology (simplicial complexes, Mayer-Viatoris, degree theory, etc). A hint in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Best Answer

Hint: for $n\geq 2$, the $n$-sphere $S^n$ is simply connected, and thus, any map $f:S^n\to T^n$ admits a lift to the universal cover of the torus, that is to say, there is a map $F:S^n\to \Bbb R^n$ such that $f=\pi\circ F$ where $\pi:\Bbb R^n\to T^n$ is the universal cover of the torus.

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