Step 1: Critical Speed Defined.
The critical speed of a rotating shaft is the rotational speed that causes resonance. At this speed, the shaft vibrates due to its natural frequency. This critical speed is determined by the shaft's mass and stiffness, as well as the load's eccentricity.Step 2: Summary.
Mass, stiffness, and eccentricity all affect the critical speed. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{mass, stiffness, and eccentricity}} \]