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I always thought that, once started, the alternator would produce enough juice to keep it running. I replaced the battery and never had any more trouble.
I've since learned that a battery that is shorted internally can do this...apparently the alternator juice dosn't get through the battery to the engine electricals required for the engine to run.
Battery has to be in place for the entire system to work correctly. I have removed the terminal from he battery of many running cars and they die without the battery in the circuit. Try it next time you are under the hood with the right socket. My John Deere mower is a prime case. Those little batteries die in a year if you don't keep a tender on them. If you do they will last for 3-4 years. My batteries have died while mowing, I have jumped the mower and tried to remove the cable from the battery while running and phttt. The battery is part of the circuit.
If you have a rechargeable Norelco electric razor It will operate while charging. If the battery dies it won't.
You kinda messed that part up. Once the vehicle is running the alternator provides power to the electrical system, not the battery. You can run a car all day once it's started, without the battery... but you can't do the same without an alternator.
Actually, power produced by alternator will be prioritized by ECM. Any leftover from satisfying power needs to the power train and components will be channeled to the battery to charge it. After battery is charged, current to it is turned into float charge level only. When you vehicle has voltmeter, you can actually see that happening after start up.
Some of the "advice" on these threads cracks me up.
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Battery has to be in place for the entire system to work correctly. I have removed the terminal from he battery of many running cars and they die without the battery in the circuit. Try it next time you are under the hood with the right socket. My John Deere mower is a prime case. Those little batteries die in a year if you don't keep a tender on them. If you do they will last for 3-4 years. My batteries have died while mowing, I have jumped the mower and tried to remove the cable from the battery while running and phttt. The battery is part of the circuit. 
