ILLUSIONS OF THE MASSES: E = m?c2

The symbolic nature of Einstein's formula in conjunction with the contradictory interpretations of its physical sense by the author produce the most incredible ideas and interpretations about the possibility of its use in a particular area of practice. All of this brings a certain confusion in the legitimacy of the existence of this formula at all, depending on how the general laws defining movement in the material world around us. Purpose. An analysis of the physical phenomena, which are reflected in the above formula, and based on this understanding of the methodological area of its applicability adequate. Results. Revealed important aspects that allow to bring some clarity to the physical nature of the interdependence of mass, energy and speed, it is shown that the symbol m in Einstein's formula does not meet the Newtonian (nonrelativistic) the concept of mass as a measure of the amount of substance (this circumstance has given rise to many disputes regarding the equivalence of mass and energy), the concept of inertial-mass energy equivalent of m*, which is actually present in the given formula. Conclusions. By itself, Einstein's formula describes the phenomena associated primarily with the processes of spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei of matter, or in other words, to radioactive decay, it is not suitable to describe the laws of motion of material bodies on Earth, and in no way does not replace in this sense, the main dependence of Newtonian mechanics.