What causes my battery to lose it's charge and fail due to a seized a/c compressor?

Question

I'm beginning to understand a little more about a/c compressors today since my 98 Chrysler Sebring's a/c compressor just seized. I first noticed when pulling into the garage that I was emitting smoke from under my hood. When I popped it, it smelt of burning rubber and I noticed that the belt on the a/c compressor was snapped. I at first thought that the part was my alternator but apparently it's the ac compressor? I drove it to a nearby mechanic and they pointed out where I seem to have either burnt oil or rubber all over the compressor and nearby parts. My question is, when I was driving the car into the mechanic, the battery light was lit and the car's electronics starting shutting down about 6 blocks from the house. My friend had to follow behind and jump my car once to allow me to continue to the mechanic's shop. Are the two dependent on one another when the AC isn't even running in my car, or why else would this occur?

Answer 1

If the one belt that broke off of the a/c compressor was  running around  the two parts (a/c & alternater) then they would depend on each another to work, for the fact that  one belt was driving the two of them ,now if the two has there on belt that drives them that's a different story. if the a/c belt is the only one that had the belt to break ,then the only way it would cause your battery to run down is that the clutch on the compressor is stick and pulling the power out of the battery.

Answer 2

Most cars after 2000 use a serpentine belt to drive all accessories. When that belt breaks, nothing spins but the crankshaft pulley. Therefore, your alternator doesn't spin, and you get no charging for the battery or electrical system