Six identical resistors, each having resistance \(R\), are connected end-to-end to form a closed regular hexagonal loop with vertices labeled \(A\) through \(F\). An ideal direct-current power source is connected across two adjacent vertices, \(A\) and \(B\), establishing a current entering vertex \(A\) and exiting vertex \(B\). Which of the following statements correctly identifies the equivalent resistance \(R_{eq}\) between vertices \(A\) and \(B\) and provides the correct physical justification?