the alternator
No, the battery is part of it's circuit. In fact nothing in the car will work without the battery.
Defective alternator.
You can test it your self. Start the car might be pain in butt if alternator is really dead if so let car sit for a little while and charge it self up. Also you can knock on alternator with a happer bunch of dust will fall out and it will get you enough time to drive for few day to go get new alternator and install it without car breaking down. Anyways start the car, then disconnect the negative wire on the car if it dies the alternator is dead if not then alternator is good.
You can start a car without a battery if you hook up a jump pack or use jumper camples but it could fry your alternator. It is pointless to charge a car without a battery. When you charge the car you are charging the battery.
Car would either have to be running or alternator removed for bench test
alternator?
Alternator
The battery is used when the car is running to stabilize the voltage and store energy from the alternator. It is not recommended to run the car with no battery, as this can damage the alternator and the car's electrical system.A dead battery (if you have one) can usually suffice to run the car for a short time, however it may also damage the alternator.
the battery job is to start the car so the alternator will kick in after the car is running
No a car cannot run without the alternator installed. All the components in a car have their specific function and any missing piece will cause the car not to run.
why were there sparks when cabels were hooked up when trying to jump start car is it safe to try and jump start car again