 Solution

Assume tensor products of two nonzero modules never vanish. If $\mathfrak{m}\ne \mathfrak{n}$ were distinct maximal ideals, then $\mathfrak{m}+\mathfrak{n}=R$ andalthough both residue fields are nonzero. Hence $R$ has one maximal ideal $\mathfrak{m}$ and is a local ring.

For every module $M$,If $\mathfrak{m}M=M$, this tensor product vanishes. Since $R/\mathfrak{m}\ne 0$, the assumed property forces $M=0$. Thus condition (a) implies condition (b).

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.