The atomic number of \( M \) is 12, which corresponds to magnesium (\( Mg \)) in the periodic table. Magnesium belongs to Group IIA (alkaline earth metals), and elements in this group typically lose 2 electrons to achieve a stable noble gas configuration.
Magnesium (\( Mg \)) loses 2 electrons to form a \( Mg^{2+} \) ion. Therefore, the charge on the ion formed by \( M \) is \( +2 \).
Final Answer: The charge on the ion formed by \( M \) is \( \mathbf{+2} \), which corresponds to option \( \mathbf{(3)} \).