no an alt creates it own but a batt. doesn't

No it doesn't. An alternator is supplied with mechanical energy. It, like
a battery, transduces mechanical energy into electrical energy, therefore
making it an electrical source.

Similarly, a battery transduces chemical energy into electrical energy,
therefore making it an electrical source.

A resistor, on the other hand, transduces electrical energy into thermal
energy, thereby making it a heat source.

Do you notice the trend here?